Dr Oz: Dangerous Beauty Products & Makeup Counter Risks

Doctor Oz did a segment called “Dangerous Beauty” to teach us about the hazards at the makeup counter.  Are you using makeup that is hazardous to your health?  Do you know what is in your makeup?  Every day, women generally use around a dozen beauty products.  We spend $30 billion each year on cosmetic purchases.  One of my favorite thing to do when I’m walking through the mall is to have my makeup done at the makeup counter – it is a great and economical way to give you a pick-me-up and feel fabulous.  However, the makeup displays can be like a petri dish and have e-coli, strep, and yeast.  In fact, the test showed that 100% of makeup tested on Saturdays was tainted.  Here is Dr Oz’s list of 3 ways that beauty products put you at risk. 

3 Ways Beauty Products Are Dangerous

1.  Bacteria at the Makeup Counter

Paula Begoun joined Dr Oz and said that feces, e-coli and other nasty bacterias were found in makeup testers at the counter.  Try these tips to approach the counter smartly next time:

– Single Use Applicators for Eyes, Nose & Mouth, the Triangle of Death – these areas drain back to your brain and are entry points for fungi and bacteria.

– Disinfect Lipstick with Alcohol Spray – and take lipstick from the side of the lipstick tube.

– Don’t Use Mascara – bring your own mascara instead.

– Avoid Weekends, Shop During Weeks – skip Saturdays for sure and apparently the best night for trying on makeup is Thursday night.

Elizabeth Brooks also joined Doctor Oz and said that it does not matter if you are at a high end store or not – they are all contaminated.

2.  Latisse & Eyelash Lengthening Products

Latisse is a prescription medication that elongates the time your lashes grow for before falling out, so it makes your lashes look fuller, longer and/ or thicker.  Latisse was discovered in a similar way to how botox was found, and this has been approved by the FDA to use for growing thicker and longer lashes.  However, there are other cosmetics that say they make your lashes longer – Paula Begoun say these cosmetics are all fibbing.  There are negative effects of Latisse as well, such as getting red eyes or red spots.  Do not buy Latisse-like products online or have spas do similar treatments.  Only use Latisse that is actually prescribed by your doctor.

3.  Products That Lighten Your Skin

Eliot Battle joined Dr Oz to talk about skin lightening products.  He said that everyone wants a clearer complexion.  Clobetasol and other topical steroids can cause skin thinning, high blood sugar, stretch marks and even immune system suppression.  There was one product that was shown (I think the name on the box was RICO) and it has hydroquinone in it.  Dr Oz showed a picture of what happens if you use too much of these products – your skin actually turns blue.  If you are going to use skin lightening products, follow these tips:

– Let your doctor prescribe it for you – do not get it online or from friends or family members.

– Read Labels!  Anything with over 2% hydroquinone should only be prescribed by doctors.

– Beware if Bottleg Products – again, you will not have this problem if you talk to your doctor and get a prescription from him or her instead

– Consider Lasers – lasers can be used to lighten skin, but make sure you pick a doctor who has expertise with lasers and also with your skin color and complexion.